I wrote multiple NYT bestsellers in the early 2010s and I did A LOT of book touring (always preferring indies to bigger box stores!) and sold A LOT of books at those events (current and backlist as I had them). If someone can rally their readers to attend (which more people are craving these days), live events are fantastic. Special thanks to suburban areas for the best turnout versus areas like NYC and LA (at least at that time). The largest populations didn’t always equal the best turnouts. People who commit to things (like suburbanites with fewer entertainment options) and easy parking were key!